Willingness of high school students to be treated by an HIV infected health practitioner. a study done in dar es salaam, Tanzania.

Abstract

Objective: To assess willingness of high school students to be treated by HIV/AIDS infected dental practitioners in Ilala municipality; Dar Es Salaam; Tanzania. Methodology :This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Results: More than half (52.8) of the high school students showed fear of being treated by HIV/AIDS infected dental practitioner; with 175 (55.4) out of 316 students fearing even to be clinically examined by HIV positive dental practitioner. Out of 316 students; 163 (51.6) students showed no problem in consulting a HIV/AIDS infected dental practitioner for dental problems. There were 170 (53.8) respondents who were uncomfortable to undergo dental treatment provided by HIV positive dental practitioner. Conclusion:The results of this study showed that there is fear an element of negative attitude and stigmatization among high school students on being treated by HIV/AIDS infected health care practitioner